Member's Press Release

Release Date: 04/06/2016
Contact: Jennifer McPherson (304) 340-3240

Mike Caputo

Delegate Caputo Statement on Blankenship Sentencing

The following is a statement from House Minority Whip Mike Caputo, who is United Mine Workers of America District 31 international vice president, about the sentencing of former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship:

“I have said many times that I believe Don Blankenship should have been charged with murder for sacrificing the lives of 29 miners in the name of profit, but I am thankful that Judge Berger issued the maximum possible sentence for the conspiracy conviction. It is my sincerest hope that the families of the sons, fathers and brothers lost in the Upper Big Branch mine disaster find some comfort in knowing that he is facing the most serious possible consequence under the law for willfully violating critical safety regulations.”